Bhubaneswar, 22 June (H.S.): Hundreds of Swasthya Mitras from across Odisha took to the streets in Bhubaneswar on Monday, staging a large-scale protest at Lower PMG against their recent termination and demanding permanent appointments and job security.

The demonstration, organized by the All Odisha Swasthya Mitra Association, drew a significant turnout of health assistants from different parts of the state. Despite persistent rain, the protesters, including several women carrying their children, gathered to voice their concerns over the loss of employment and the uncertainty surrounding their future.

The agitating Swasthya Mitras expressed strong dissatisfaction over the retrenchment notices issued to them and urged the state government to immediately halt the termination process. They alleged that the notices, served on May 29, did not provide any clear or valid reasons for their disengagement, leaving nearly 1,000 workers and their families facing an uncertain future.

According to the association, the affected Swasthya Mitras have been serving many healthcare facilities across Odisha since 2018 and have played a vital role in facilitating healthcare services and implementing various government health schemes. They argued that their contributions to the state's healthcare system should be recognized and protected.

The protesters also demanded the abolition of the existing third-party outsourcing system and sought direct absorption under the State Health Assurance Society. They maintained that a permanent employment framework is necessary to ensure stability, dignity, and security for healthcare workers who have been serving the public for several years.

The protest underscores growing concerns among contractual and outsourced healthcare personnel regarding employment policies and job security. Protesters warned that if their demands are not addressed at the earliest, they may intensify their agitation in the coming days.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda